Wheeler, the scoring leader for the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team that advanced to the NCAA tournament this season, has withdrawn from school and expects to sign a pro contract within the next several weeks, the university athletics department announced today.

A first-round pick taken No. 5 overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL draft, Wheeler submitted a letter through his agent to the NHL declaring that he is “no longer a bona fide college student.”

If the Coyotes don’t sign him within 30 days, Wheeler will become a free agent.

“It’s just time for me to take the next step,” Wheeler said. “I just want to develop my game and, hopefully, sooner rather than later, be in the National Hockey League.”

His agent, Matt Keator of Boston, said Wheeler turned down a contract last summer, returning for his junior season at Minnesota, where he registered 15 goals and 20 assists for 35 points to lead the Gophers’ offense.

Wheeler is the 10th underclassman in two years to leave the Gophers and the third since the beginning of last season. Sophomore forward Kyle Okposo signed with the New York Islanders in January and junior goaltender Jeff Frazee signed with the New Jersey Devils last month.

Wheeler, who’s from Plymouth, finished his Gophers career with 42 goals and 54 points for 96 points.

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